In order tounderstand the political system and government of any country, one must take a look at the different branches of government and understand how each one is comprised and how each system works within the government as a whole. Now, I’m going to take a closer look at the structure Islamic Republic of Iran. First off, the most powerful political office in the Islamic Republic is that of the Supreme Leader, of which there have been two: the founder of the Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and his successor, Ali Khamenei.
The role of the Leader is to appoint the heads of many powerful posts - the commanders of the armed forces, the director of the national radio and television network, the heads of the major religious foundations, prayer leaders in city mosques, and the members of national security councils which deal with defense and foreign affairs. He also appoints the chief judge, the chief prosecutor and special tribunals. With the help of the chief judge, they together appoint half of the 12 jurists of the Guardian Council; the powerful body that decides both what bills may become law and who may run for president or parliament.
The Executive Branch
The Constitution defines the President as the highest state authority after the Supreme Leader. The President is elected by universal suffrage, by those 18 years old and older, for a term of four years. Presidential candidates must be approved by the Council of Guardians prior to running. The President is responsible for the implementation of the Constitution and for the exercise of executive powers, except for matters directly related to the Supreme Leader. The President appoints and supervises the Council of Ministers, coordinates government decisions, and selects
government policies to be placed before the legislature. Currently, 10 Vice-Presidents serve under the President, as well as a cabinet of 21 ministers, who must all be approved by the legislature. Unlike many other states, the executive branch in Iran does not control the armed forces. Although the President appoints the Ministers of Intelligence and Defense, it is customary for the President to obtain explicit approval from the Supreme Leader for these two ministers before presenting them to the legislature for a vote of confidence.
Legislative Branch
As of today, the current legislature of Iran is unicameral. Before the Iranian Revolution, the legislature was bicameral, with the senate (upper house) half elected, half appointed by the Shah. The senate was removed in the new constitution.
Parliament
The Parliament of Iran comprises 290 members elected for four-year terms. The Parliament drafts legislation, ratifies international treaties, and approves the national budget. All Parliament candidates and all legislation from the assembly must be approved by the Council of Guardians.
The Guardian Council is composed of 12 jurists, including six clerics appointed by the Supreme Leader, and six jurists elected by the Majles from among the Muslim jurists nominated by the Head of the Judicial System. The Council interprets the constitution and may reject bills from Parliament deemed incompatible with the constitution or Sharia (Islamic law). These are referred back to parliament for revision. In a controversial exercise of its authority, the Council has drawn upon a narrow interpretation of Iran's constitution to veto parliamentary candidates.
As of the early 1990s, the Guardian Council approves candidates for national election in Iran.
Special note: According to the CIA World Factbook, The Guardian Council is a part of the Executive branch of the government, not legislative.
The Expediency Council has the authority to mediate disputes between the Majlis and the Council of Guardians, and serves as an advisory body to the Supreme Leader, making it one of the most powerful governing bodies in the country. The council also mediates legislative disputes between the Parliament and the Guardian Council. Its members include heads of the three government branches, the clerical members of the Guardian Council and various other members appointed by the supreme leader for three-year terms. Cabinet members and parliamentary leaders also serve as temporary members when issues under their jurisdictions are under review.
Judicial Branch
The Supreme Leader appoints the head of the Judiciary, who in turn appoints the head of the Supreme Court and the chief public prosecutor.
There are several types of courts including public courts that deal with civil
and criminal cases, and "revolutionary courts" which deal with
certain categories of offenses, including crimes against national security. The
decisions of the revolutionary courts are final and cannot be appealed. The
Special Clerical Court handles crimes allegedly committed by clerics, although
it has also taken on cases involving lay people. The Special Clerical Court
functions independently of the regular judicial framework and is accountable
only to the Supreme Leader. The Court’s rulings are final and cannot be
appealed.
Information found at:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/middle_east/iran/structure.html
http://www.voiceseducation.org/category/tag/guardian-council
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5314.htm
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ir.html
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